Kybella (deoxycholic acid) injection 10 mg/ml is a surgical procedure for aesthetic enhancement – a prescription medicine, used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat) called the double chin.
The Kybella injection mainly encompasses an active ingredient, the synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body, which aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, this product destroys fat cells. The result of this fat destruction is a visible reduction in the fullness under the chin.
However, the point to note is that the treatment leads to a significant reduction but not complete removal of the double chin. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat. Hence, when adequate reduction is achieved, repeated injections are not required.
Considering that the treatment is similar to Botox and filler injections, a prior consultation and the expertise of experienced hands are essential. At each treatment session, you will receive multiple small injections under your chin, and the injection process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Since everyone’s chin profile is different, the number of treatments vary from patient to patient.
For now, it has only been approved for use in the chin area. The procedure is not advisable for individuals below 18 years of age. There are certain side effects, which can occur, as is the case with other injectable treatments.
One may experience moderate levels of swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area. Some of the other side effects include nerve injury in the jaw (which can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness), or trouble in swallowing.
Each session is usually conducted at least one month apart, and you should not go in for more than six treatments. This is a new medicine, which is available on the international market and is FDA approved and will be touching the Asian markets soon. The most important thing, as again with other injectable aesthetic treatments, is to ensure that the expert conducting the procedure, is aware of your medical background.
Contrary to the popular notion, Kybella injection is not a replacement treatment for plastic surgery. So, settle for the session only after taking into consideration, the various paraments involved in order to meet with satisfactory results.
The writer is a Bengaluru-based MD, Consultant, Manipal Hospital.
